This manual collates authentic period sources including design notes and information for sailors to provide a unique guide to this famous warship.Launched in 1797, USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is renowned for her actions during the War of 1812 against the Britain, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships.The battle with HMS Guerriere earned her the nickname 'Old Ironsides' and a longstanding public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping. She continued to serve as flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons, and circled the world in the 1840s. Retired from active service in 1881, Constitution served as a receiving ship until designated a museum ship in 1907. Comprising a series of documents and illustrations that give information on the building of the ship, her wartime service history and life on board ship during the years of her service, this fascinating book tells the story of Old Ironsides

IntroductionMister MidshipmanFrom the Secretary of the NavyOath of AllegianceDuties ofKeeping of Journals byDress ofQuarters and Mess ofDeportment ofAn Admonishment toThe Frigate ConstitutionFormation of the NavyConstruction ofDimensions, Characteristics, and Features ofManning ConstitutionThe Ship's CompanyLieutenantsThe Ship's DivisionsThe Ship's MarinesPay and ProvisionsShip's DisciplineMatters MedicalInjury and Disease at Sea Cleanliness at SeaProvisioning ConstitutionRegulations RespectingInventory ofRegarding SlopsShip's StoresSailing ConstitutionShipboard Routine at SeaManeuvering the ShipCaptain's Orders Pertaining toOf SignalingOf Fire at SeaBoats and BoatmanshipBoarding the EnemyThe Quarter BillConstitution's ArmamentClearing for ActionEngaging the EnemyBoardingOf Prizes and PensionsRules Governing PrizesPensions Awarded for Naval Service"Old Ironsides": Her Exploits of 1812The DeclarationThe ChaseDefeat of HMS GuerriereDefeat of HMS JavaHeroes of USS ConstitutionBritish Reaction to the American VictoriesA Naval and Nautical GlossaryAddenda to the 1816 Edition: Constitution's Exploits of 1815Defeat of HMS Cyane and HMS Levant A Celebrated ShipSources and ReferencesIndex